The document discusses the Carteret Islands of Papua New Guinea, which are gradually sinking and experiencing increased flooding due to sea level rise, threatening the homes, livelihoods, and culture of the island's residents. Potential causes of flooding discussed include sea level rise from global warming, melting ice, and tectonic plate movement. The environmental, economic, social and political impacts of the increased flooding are explained, such as damage to infrastructure, crops, and traditional way of life, along with the islanders' reliance on government aid and resettlement.

1. The Carteret Islands: Paradise lost?

2. Carteret Islands: Where?

3. Carteret Islands: What?

4. Carteret Islands: Who?

5. Carteret Islands: The impact of coastal flooding Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgw4HTtokgk

6. Carteret Islands: Causes of flooding? Some theories: Sea level rise? (due to global warming, melting ice, thermal expansion of sea, isostatic readjustment) Islands are sinking? (tectonic plate movement) Man-made? (dynamite fishing breaking up reef, water extraction

7. Carteret Islands: Environmental impact? King Tides Water supply Mosquitoes Beach erosion Soil salinity (salt content) Coconut trees and mangroves

8. Carteret Islands: Economic impact? Cost of food Government aid of $2 million for resettlement Reliance on aid

9. Carteret Islands: Social impact? Culture and tradition Elderly Lifestyle Hunger Reliance on aid

10. Carteret Islands: Political impact? Bougainville 1990 ’ s civil war Government aid of $2 million Local people of Bougainville